Arsenal are on the brink of the Premier League title after a controversial win against West Ham at London Stadium.
Leandro Trossard lashed home from Martin Odegaard’s pass to give the visitors a crucial lead late in the match.
Sub Callum Wilson fired in after David Raya’s punch in added time, but after a long VAR check it was ruled out for a foul on Raya by Pablo.
The call itself might’ve not been controversial in previous seasons, but Arsenal’s physical play on attacking corners has led to lax foul-calling in the box. There is situational irony, however, in the defensive call going in Arsenal’s favor to keep a firm grip on the title fight.
Leandro Trossard needed a late goal just to put Arsenal in front, and the Gunners are five points clear of second-place Man City. Arsenal have two matches left, while City have three.
West Ham remain a point behind 17th-place Tottenham Hotspur, who have one more game left than the Irons in the fight to stay in the Premier League.
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After the match, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta praised match officials for making what he described as a “brave decision” during a controversial moment in Arsenal’s win against West Ham on Sunday.
The incident, which became one of the major talking points of the game, involved a foul decision that was heavily debated by players, supporters, and pundits.
After reviewing the situation, the referee maintained the original call, a move that sparked mixed reactions inside the stadium.
Arteta admitted he has previously questioned refereeing consistency but said the officials deserved credit on this occasion.
“Sometimes I’ve been critical with the referees or doubting consistency,” Arteta told reporters.
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“Today they took a brave decision.”
The Spanish coach added that the replay made the incident clear in his view and insisted the correct decision had been reached.
“When you look at it with clarity it’s very clear that is a foul and a right decision”, he said.
Arteta’s comments stood out given his past criticism of officiating standards in English football.
His willingness to openly support the referees after a contentious call has since generated discussion among fans and analysts.
New York Times
